Rewinding toilet paper spindle

ABSTRACT

A toilet paper spindle which is simple and effective at rewinding the amount of toilet paper and restricting the amount dispensed is disclosed and described. The toilet paper spindle can include a central spindle, an outer sleeve, and a rotation biasing member. The central spindle can include engagement ends which prevent or minimize movement of the central spindle with respect to the mounted spindle holder. The outer sleeve can be oriented concentrically about the central spindle and can minimize or prevent relative movement of a standard toilet paper roll mounted thereon. The rotation biasing member can be oriented inside the outer sleeve to allow axial rotation along a common axis between the outer sleeve and the central spindle during removal of toilet paper from the toilet paper roll. The biasing member also acts such that the outer sleeve returns to a biased position after removal of the toilet paper is complete effectively rewinding the roll.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/103,146, filed Oct. 6, 2008 and which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to toilet paper dispensers. More specifically, this invention relates to a rewinding toilet paper spindle. Therefore, the present invention relates generally to the fields of mechanical devices and sanitation.

BACKGROUND

Throughout much of the world, toilet paper dispensers are widely used and practically ubiquitous in developed countries. These simple devices offer user convenience, improved sanitary conditions for the paper, and are generally inexpensive. Despite the obvious functionality of these devices, many attempts have been made to improve them for specific applications. For example, in high usage public restrooms toilet paper dispensers may be designed to accommodate multiple rolls, provide protective housings, or otherwise reduce potential for stealing or other misuse. Some devices have attempted to control roll runaway or mishandling by providing various mechanical or electrically controlled restrictions on dispense rates. Some of these include frictional resistance to rotation and rather complex dispensing machines.

While some of these designs have provided improvements, they are often mechanically complex, expensive and/or aesthetically unappealing. Therefore, the need exists for further improvements to toilet paper dispensers generally.

SUMMARY

In light of the problems and deficiencies noted above, a toilet paper spindle which is simple and effective at rewinding the toilet paper and restricting the amount of toilet paper dispensed is provided. The toilet paper spindle is readily interchangeable with conventional standard spindles currently in common use or can be provided as part of a new installation with an accompanying spindle holder.

In accordance with one aspect, a toilet paper spindle for use with a mounted spindle holder can include a central spindle, an outer sleeve, and a rotation biasing member. The central spindle can include engagement ends oriented at each end of the central spindle. The central spindle can have a retractable length which includes an extended working position and a compressed installation position. The engagement ends can be configured to prevent or minimize movement of the central spindle with respect to the mounted spindle holder, particularly during use.

The outer sleeve can be oriented concentrically about the central spindle. The outer sleeve can have a sleeve length sufficient to leave the engagement ends exposed. Further, the outer sleeve can be configured to minimize or prevent relative movement of a standard toilet paper roll mounted thereon, e.g. so that each rotate substantially together under normal use.

The rotation biasing member can be oriented inside the outer sleeve to allow axial rotation along a common axis between the outer sleeve and the central spindle during removal of toilet paper from the toilet paper roll. The biasing member also acts such that the outer sleeve returns to a biased position after removal of the toilet paper is complete, thus retracting and rewinding the toilet paper.

Further in accordance with another aspect, a method of using the toilet paper spindle can include retracting the central spindle to the compressed installation position. Each of the engagement ends of the compressed central spindle can then be inserted into corresponding recesses in the mounted spindle holder.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention and they are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciated that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged, sized, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial transparent perspective view of a toilet paper spindle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a central spindle having two telescopically mating sections in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of portion 24 from FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an outer sleeve having a toilet paper roll engagement member in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe the features and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth the best mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims.

The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention are designated by numerals throughout.

Definitions

In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a spring” includes reference to one or more of such elements, and reference to “inserting” refers to one or more such steps.

As used herein with respect to an identified property or circumstance, “substantially” refers to a degree of deviation that is sufficiently small so as to not measurably detract from the identified property or circumstance. The exact degree of deviation allowable may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent” may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near or close to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a numerical range of about 1 to about 4.5 should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of 1 to about 4.5, but also to include individual numerals such as 2, 3, 4, and sub-ranges such as 1 to 3, 2 to 4, etc. The same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value, such as “less than about 4.5,” which should be interpreted to include all of the above-recited values and ranges. Further, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristic being described.

In the present disclosure, the term “preferably” or “preferred” is non-exclusive where it is intended to mean “preferably, but not limited to.” Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, a rewinding toilet paper spindle is shown generally at 10. The rewinding toilet paper spindle can include a central spindle 12, an outer sleeve 14, and a rotation biasing member 16. This rewinding toilet paper spindle can be inserted into a toilet paper roll and then placed in a mounted spindle holder. As explained in more detail below, the rotation biasing member can control the dispensing speed, resistance and length of paper dispensed with each pull and retracts and rewinds the toilet paper.

FIG. 2 shows the central spindle 12 in a partially disassembled view. The central spindle can include engagement ends 20 oriented at each end of the central spindle. The engagement ends can be formed of any shape and/or material which allows for secure attachment to a complimentary mounted spindle holder. Typically, suitable attachment of the engagement ends with the holder is via complimentary recesses. For example, tapered stoppers can be sized to frictionally engage the recesses in the mounted spindle holder. Such tapered stoppers can be integral with the central spindle and coated with a friction material or can be formed of rubber or other flexible and durable material. Regardless of the specific configuration, the engagement ends can be designed to prevent or minimize movement of the central spindle with respect to the mounted spindle holder, particularly during use.

In order to facilitate installation of new rolls and removal of spent rolls, the central spindle 12 can have a retractable length. The retractable length can include an extended working position and a compressed installation position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the central spindle can comprise two longitudinally mating sections 22 and 24 which telescopically slide to adjust the retractable length. The two longitudinally mating sections can optionally include a selectively lockable latch which is configured to secure the mating sections together. In one specific embodiment, a latch 26 can be formed on one of the mating sections which is capable of engaging a receiving member 28 on the opposite mating section. In the embodiment shown, the receiving member is an opening having an extended length to allow the latch to move back and forth within the receiving window as the central spindle is telescopically retracted and extended.

FIG. 3 is a side view of mating section 24 which highlights the profile of the latch 26. Thus, as the two mating sections are brought together the latch is initially depressed and then engages into the receiving member opening upon sufficient depth of insertion between the two mating portions. Referring back to FIG. 2, the two longitudinally mating sections 22 and 24 can be biased in the extended working position using a spring 30 oriented inside the central spindle.

As shown in FIG. 1, the outer sleeve 14 can be oriented concentrically about the central spindle 12. The outer sleeve can have a sleeve length sufficient to leave the engagement ends exposed. Further, the outer sleeve can be configured to minimize or prevent relative movement of a standard toilet paper roll mounted thereon. In this way, each of the toilet paper roll and the outer sleeve rotate substantially together under normal use. FIG. 4 shows the outer sleeve 14 having openings 40 on either end to allow exposure of the engagement ends. The outer sleeve can further include end covers 42 through which the engagement ends protrude. These end covers can generally be permanently affixed, although removable end covers can also be used. In most embodiments of the present invention, the end covers can be caps or plugs which are secured to the outer spindle 14 by interference fit. At least one of the end covers can be rotated relative to the outer sleeve to adjust tension in the biasing spring 16 to control the length of the dispensed paper. This adjustment can be accomplished by using threaded engagement between the end cover and outer sleeve or by a click-recess engagement having graduated marks for different tensions. Other adjustment mechanisms can also be suitable as long as functionality of the spindle is retained. Such adjustment can be desirable since different toilet paper manufacturers may provide varying perforation style and sheet rip strength.

The outer sleeve 14 can be shaped and sized in a variety of configurations. For example, although cylindrical can be simple and easy to manufacture, contours and/or other changes in dimensions can be used. In one alternative embodiment, the outer sleeve can be provided in multiple pieces or sections which are rotationally secured to each other. In accordance with one aspect, the sleeve length of the outer sleeve can be about 2.5 to 3.0 inches in order to coincide with standard toilet paper rolls and allow a grip space for extraction. In this way, the larger outer sleeve can be recessed within the paper roll in order to obscure visibility of the same during use. Furthermore, the spindle and outer sleeve can be dimensioned in order to expose sufficient space along the spindle between the holder and the outer sleeve in order to allow removal of the spindle from the holder. For example, a space on each side of the paper roll and the holder of from about 0.5 to about 0.75 inches will allow 1 to 1.5 inches movement back and forth to provide sufficient space to grip the central spindle engagement ends 20.

One additional feature is the ability of the outer sleeve to remain engaged with the toilet paper roll during use. Although some relative slippage is permissible, excessive slippage can reduce effectiveness of controlling the amount of paper dispensed, retracted and rewound. This coupling of the toilet paper roll with the outer sleeve can include use of a roll engagement member. FIG. 4 illustrates one alternative embodiment of a suitable toilet paper roll engagement member 44. This engagement member is a spring clip having an arcuate shape with a center portion 46 bowed outward from an exterior surface of the outer sleeve 14. Additional spring clips can optionally be added around the circumference of the outer sleeve. These clips can optionally include adjustable members such as screws, slits along the clip, or other mechanisms, so as to allow for height adjustment to vary strength of frictional engagement with inner surface of the paper roll. Thus, the clip can be secured at one end and free at an opposing end to allow for bending as the center portion is pressed inward by the paper roll tube.

Alternatively, the toilet paper roll engagement member can be a tapered end profile on at least one end of the outer sleeve with a center portion of the outer sleeve having an outer diameter which snugly frictionally engages the inner surfaces of the paper roll. Thus, the outer sleeve can have optional tapered ends such that a paper roll is readily slipped onto the sleeve. Then, as the paper roll is pushed further onto the outer sleeve the paper roll become tightly engaged with the outer sleeve. In yet another alternative, the toilet paper roll engagement member can be a foam cylinder concentrically friction fit about the outer sleeve which frictionally engages the paper roll. In still another alternative, a friction sleeve (e.g. rubber or plastic) device can be oriented on the central spindle which allows slippage when the spring torsional tension exceeds a predefined limit. This can be desirable to avoid damage to the internal spring from excessive force.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the rotation biasing member 16 can be oriented inside the outer sleeve 14 to allow axial rotation along a common axis between the outer sleeve and the central spindle 12 during removal of toilet paper from the toilet paper roll. The biasing member also acts such that the outer sleeve returns to a biased position after removal of the toilet paper is complete. In one embodiment, the rotation biasing member 16 is a single spring comprising section 48 and 54 attached at the ends of the spring to the end covers 42 at attachment point 50 and at the opposite end at attachment point 56. Further, the center of the spring can be attached to the central spindle at attachment point 52. In another embodiment, the rotation biasing member includes a first spring 48 wound around the central spindle. This first spring can be secured at one end to the outer sleeve at attachment point 50 and at an opposite end to the central spindle at attachment point 52. The rotation biasing member can further include a second spring 54 wound around the central spindle. This second spring can be secured at one end to the outer sleeve at attachment point 56 and at an opposite end to the central spindle at attachment point 52. These springs can have a common attachment point on the central spindle as shown, or may be attached at different points. When attached as illustrated in FIG. 1, as one section of the spring tightens around the central spindle the other section expands about the central spindle. Alternatively, for a two spring embodiment, as the first spring tightens around the central spindle, the second spring simultaneously expands about the central spindle. Thus, regardless of the direction that the spindle or paper roll are mounted, the rewinding and resistance effects are the same.

The strength of the biasing mechanism can be designed so as to provide a desirable degree of pulling resistance. Furthermore, the spring can be designed to limit the toilet paper length which can be dispensed from a single pull of the paper roll before tearing of the paper also, the toilet paper length can be adjusted by rotation of the end covers 42 (or plugs) relative to the outer sleeve. Not only does the toilet paper spindle of the present invention limit the amount of paper dispensed, the rotation biasing member also returns the roll to substantially the original position and rewinds the roll. This can prevent excess paper from hanging from the roll. In addition, as the toilet paper is used, there will be an increase in resistance for the same amount of paper, i.e. due to the reduced diameter. This provides an indication to the user of an upcoming need to replace the roll. In yet another alternative, the biasing member can be temporarily overridden to allow for rotation of the toilet paper roll about the outer sleeve 14 and/or central spindle 12. This can be accomplished, for example, by providing detachable attachment points of the biasing spring or by making the toilet paper roll engagement member selectively engageable.

As a toilet paper roll is used, the same length of paper requires more revolutions per length as the roll diameter decreases. Thus, for an operating space in the annular volume between the central spindle, suitable operating space can be provided to allow for annular expansion and contraction of the spring sections during operation. Although spring biasing member configurations can be varied considerably, one specific embodiment is described in more detail. For a five-section length of toilet paper (20 inches), a full roll of toilet paper at 4 inches diameter requires 1.6 revolutions to dispense, and a nearly empty roll of toilet paper at 1.75 inches diameter requires 3.6 revolutions to dispense. The operating space in the annular volume between the 0.5 inch diameter central spindle and the 1.50 inch diameter outer sleeve provides about 1.0 inch of annular expansion and contraction volume for the biasing spring to operate in. Based on these data, 0.75 inch diameter biasing springs consisting of 30 coils (15 coils per section) allow easily dispensing paper lengths of up to five sections.

Optionally, the rotation biasing member can include a spring tensioning adjustment mechanism. In this manner, the degree of resistance and/or length of dispensed paper can be adjusted to personal preferences of a user. For example, the adjustment mechanism can effectively shorten the spring by retaining additional portions of the spring stationary with respect to either the spindle and/or the outer sleeve. In one example, end portions of the spring near the engagement ends can be shortened by providing a parallel end plates which can be flush with the end cap for full length spring tension. In order to increase tension, the plate can be configured to move inwardly (e.g. along a groove) such that the spring passes through a hole in the plate and is effectively shortened. The simplest adjustment mechanism is to rotate one of the end caps (or plugs) to which the ends of the biasing spring are attached, relative to the outer sleeve, thus changing the biasing spring diameter.

Optional security mechanisms can be integrated into the spindle in order to reduce possibility of misuse or tampering with the spindle. For example, in public restrooms it can be desirable to lock the spindle in place to prevent removal. Non-limiting examples of such security mechanisms can include a key lock which requires a key or customized tool to retract the spindle. Other examples include protective locked covers and the like.

Further in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method of using the toilet paper spindle can include refracting the central spindle to the compressed installation position. Each of the engagement ends of the compressed central spindle can then be inserted into corresponding recesses in the mounted spindle holder. The toilet paper spindle of the present invention is readily interchangeable with conventional standard spindles currently in common use. Furthermore, the toilet paper spindle of the present invention can be provided as part of a new installation with an accompanying spindle holder.

The foregoing detailed description describes the invention with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are to be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, and all such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein. 

1. A toilet paper spindle for use with a mounted spindle holder, comprising: a) a central spindle including engagement ends oriented at each end of the central spindle, said central spindle having a retractable length which includes an extended working position and a compressed installation position, and said engagement ends being configured to prevent or minimize movement of the central spindle with respect to the mounted spindle holder; b) an outer sleeve oriented concentrically about the central spindle and having a sleeve length sufficient to leave the engagement ends exposed, and said outer sleeve is configured to minimize or prevent relative movement of a standard toilet paper roll mounted thereon; and c) a rotation biasing member oriented inside the outer sleeve to allow axial rotation along a common axis between the outer sleeve and the central spindle during removal of toilet paper from the toilet paper roll, such that the outer sleeve returns to a biased position after removal of the toilet paper is complete, thus rewinding the toilet paper roll.
 2. The toilet paper spindle of claim 1, wherein the central spindle comprises two longitudinally mating sections which telescopically slide to adjust the retractable length.
 3. The toilet paper spindle of claim 2, wherein the two longitudinally mating sections are biased in the extended working position using a spring oriented inside the central spindle.
 4. The toilet paper spindle of claim 2, wherein the two longitudinally mating sections further include a selectively lockable latch configured to secure the mating sections together.
 5. The toilet paper spindle of claim 1, wherein the engagement ends comprise tapered stoppers sized to frictionally engage corresponding recesses in the mounted spindle holder.
 6. The toilet paper spindle of claim 5, wherein the tapered stoppers are integral with the central spindle and coated with a friction material.
 7. The toilet paper spindle of claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve further includes interference fitted end covers through which the engagement ends protrude.
 8. The toilet paper spindle of claim 7, wherein the end covers are caps or plugs.
 9. The toilet paper spindle of claim 1, wherein the sleeve length is about 4 inches.
 10. The toilet paper spindle of claim 9, wherein the sleeve length is from about 2 inches to about 3.5 inches.
 11. The toilet paper spindle of claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve further comprises a toilet paper roll engagement member.
 12. The toilet paper spindle of claim 11, wherein the toilet paper roll engagement member is at least one spring clip having an arcuate shape with a center portion bowed outward from an exterior surface of the outer sleeve.
 13. The toilet paper spindle of claim 11, wherein the toilet paper roll engagement member is a tapered end profile on at least one end of the outer sleeve.
 14. The toilet paper spindle of claim 11, wherein the toilet paper roll engagement member is a foam cylinder concentrically friction fit about the outer sleeve.
 15. The toilet paper spindle of claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve is sized to friction fit with the toilet paper roll.
 16. The toilet paper spindle of claim 1, wherein the rotation biasing member includes a single spring around the central spindle which is secured at each end to end caps of the outer sleeve, and at the center of the spring to the central spindle wherein one spring section tightens around the central spindle while the other spring section simultaneously expands around the central spindle.
 17. The toilet spindle of claim 1, wherein the rotation biasing member includes a first spring wound around the central spindle and secured at one end to the outer sleeve and at an opposite end to the central spindle.
 18. The toilet paper spindle of claim 16, wherein the rotation biasing member further includes a second spring wound around the central spindle and secured at one end to the outer sleeve and at an opposite end to the central spindle, and wherein the first spring and second spring are attached such that the first spring tightens around the central spindle when the second spring simultaneously expands about the central spindle.
 19. The toilet paper spindle of claim 1, wherein the rotation biasing member includes a spring tensioning adjustment mechanism.
 20. The toilet paper spindle of claim 1, wherein the rotation biasing member is configured in rotational resistance so as to restrict a toilet paper length.
 21. A method of using the toilet paper spindle of claim 1, comprising: a) retracting the central spindle to the compressed installation position; and b) inserting each of the engagement ends into corresponding recesses in the mounted spindle holder.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the mounted spindle holder is a previously existing holder having a conventional spindle, and the method further comprises removing the conventional spindle prior to the step of inserting each of the engagement ends.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein the rotation biasing member includes a tensioning adjustment mechanism and the method further includes tuning the tensioning adjustment mechanism to a desired rotational tension.
 24. A toilet paper dispenser system including the toilet paper spindle of claim 1 and a spindle holder including recesses configured to receive the engagement ends and being wall mountable. 